Regional Listings

Gauley Bridge/Glen Ferris

I'm a big fan of the Glen Ferris Inn, which was built in 1839 and has operated continuously ever since. It sits on the edge of the Kanawha River at Kanawha Falls. It has a warm heart and a good menu. It's all down home and you can count on a good meal anytime. The rooms are clean and well kept and up to date with wireless internet and cable TV, etc. The people are real nice, local and pleasant to deal with.

So, that said, it is a target for my entrance to the area and as I traverse the Midland Trail Scenic Byway (US 60) into the Fayetteville and Gauley River region. It is also occassionally my headquarters for waterfalling and hiking. It's in a good area and a good jumping off place for a days fun.

On the way into Glen Ferris, as you drive US 60, there are a number of falls just on the side of the road. I don't know the names of most of them, as they are, for the most part, seasonal and only flow when it rains. However, I seem to catch them working more often than not, so I include them here.

Starting from the west as we come down US 60's Midland Trail is this little gem. I'm calling it Riggs Branch Falls(38.14215, -81.21209), as that is the creek it flows from. It seems to be running almost every time I come through. It's right on the side of the road and there is a pull off to view it. It is just before the Deepwater Cotton Hill Rd. Bridge that crosses the Kanawha River. While we are here, let me tell you that, if you go across this bridge and turn right, you may find a few roadside falls. One of them is worth seeing, though it may only run during rainy seasons. If you turn left and take the lower road that goes along the river, and not the one that goes uphill, you will come to a place at the dead end that will give you a vantage point for the Kanawha Falls from the opposite side of the river. My opinion is that this is a better view, however, this is residential and private, so be nice and courteous as people do cherish their privacy.

If you were to take the right fork, after crossing the bridge where you went left to the above mentioned dead end, it is my understanding that it could be worth your time, however, I have not been up there yet. I saw a couple photos and I thought the falls shown were quite handsome. I have no information on locations, but if you look at a map, you can see the road (CR 13)parallels Falls Creek for quite a distance. I have no doubt there is an image in there somewhere. Let me know if you get there before I do. Love to know what you find.

Back across the bridge and back on to US 60 head toward Glen Ferris and you will come to a small park just before the power station. Here you will be able to see the river wide Kanawha Falls. The parking lot may be flooded at high tide and there are a lot of trees. You need to get down to the bank for a good shot of the falls. Continue on up the road less than 3 miles, through the town of Gauley Bridge and you will come to Cathedral Falls roadside park on your left. A more awesome place for a picnic, you will not find and this place is so photo friendly.

This badboy is about 80 ft tall and has all sorts of photographic possibilities. I don't think I have ever been here when it wasn't looking good. It does get sort of busy as it is a local park and right on the side of the road, and next to the Mill at Babcock, it's probably one of the most photographed places in the state. Definitely popular.

Continue on US 60 and take the right on SR 16 and you will find more roadside falls. I don't have a count or exact locations, but I know I have photographed at least two more prior to the bridge crossing the New River and the assent on Beckwith Rd. along the Laurel Creek, where you will find more, and some very nice, roadside falls. Here's more info on the Beckwith Rd. falls.